Letters to the Editor: 04/22/2008

April 23, 2008 04:00 am

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Listen to your feelings

My name is Vikki and I'm an addict. If I were to use this precedent before saying anything else, all words after would, more often than not, be unheard.

As an addict, I had the privilege of attending a local in-house and out-patient rehab. The staff helped me to believe that there can be a life without drugs. It was a safe place.

Last fall, I met with a counselor on a one-on-one basis. He had incredible insight and I always felt safe sharing my concerns with him. A few weeks into the meetings, I started feeling uncomfortable. He sat too close; he hugged too long; he held my hand. I didn't feel so safe anymore.

After agonizing over my feelings, I called and canceled my appointment and stated I would not be back. My gut feelings were real. Those appointments were no longer about me, they were about him. I reported my feelings to the proper authorities. He no longer works there.

Ladies, if you are seeking counsel for anything, beware. If you're feeling uncomfortable for any reason, speak up. We deserve to be treated with respect.

Vikki Hains
Traverse City

Reduce gas purchases

Gas prices continue to climb, but I haven't noticed any decrease in the amount of traffic. I live just off South Airport Road and it seems the traffic flow is about the same, regardless of the time of day.

When the gas prices started to rise, I examined the number of trips I was making each week to the various stores around town. It was about three times a week for a couple of the big stores. I'm retired and can't afford the higher prices, so a change was necessary.

If everyone would make the same evaluations and reduce the amount of their gas purchases, maybe it would send a message to the oil companies and reduce their huge profits.

Joe Terrell
Traverse City